Effectiveness of Holistic Psychosocial Support in Reducing Anxiety among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47701/bb75xz52Keywords:
psychosocial support, anxiety, pregnant women, systematic review, meta-analysisAbstract
Background: Anxiety during pregnancy is a mental health concern that may affect maternal well-being. Psychosocial support is one approach that may help pregnant women manage anxiety. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of psychosocial support in reducing anxiety among pregnant women.
Methods: This study used a systematic review and meta-analysis design in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating psychological or psychosocial interventions for pregnant women. The primary outcome was anxiety score. The pooled analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, with the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect measure.
Results: Five studies involving 548 participants were analyzed, comprising 274 participants in the intervention group and 274 in the control group. The meta-analysis showed lower anxiety scores in the intervention group than in the control group (SMD = ?1.35; 95% CI: ?2.16 to ?0.55; p = 0.001). Between-study heterogeneity was high (I² = 94%).
Conclusion: Psychosocial support may help reduce anxiety among pregnant women. However, the high level of heterogeneity requires the results to be interpreted cautiously. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions.
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